The Brazilian fans were in full voice for the debut of Beatriz Haddad Maia, a 15-year-old, who, in spite of losing to the more experienced Gabriela Paz, gave a good showing to confirm the fact that the youngster from Rio de Janeiro has potential.

“At the start I felt the pressure of making my debut,” she said. “It’s the first time that I play for my country. She [Paz] played really well, but I felt I could keep up. I would like to thank the crowd for its support and I hope to keep getting better.”

Brazil still harbour hopes of finishing top of their group. To acheive this they need to defeat Bolivia and Colombia in the last phase of the round-robin and they need Paraguay to trip up against Venezuela.

Paraguay can’t halt Colombian progress

The situation for the Brazilians is delicately poised after Colombia won one more point than Paraguay in one of the most emotional match-ups of the day.

Colombia pulled through 2-1, with victories for Catalina Castaño over Montserrat González and, in the doubles, Mariana Duque and the same Castaño used all their experience to out-manouevre the tough pairing of González and Cepede.

Argentina win with ease

On the adjacent courts, Argentina confirmed their position as favourites and didn’t require much effort to overcome a weak Bahamas team. Argentina won 3-0 and their perfect win-loss record could prove the difference in establishing the winner in Pool A.

For Bettina Fulco, the Argentine captain, it was an auspicious win and one which showed her team’s strength. “They were all excellent,” she enthused. “And that gives us hope going forward.”

The lion was not so fierce…

In Canada’s long-awaited but rather tame debut, it was Bianco Botto who shone the brightest. The young Peruvian overcame Stephanie Dubois, ranked No. 87 in the world, 62 67(1) 75 in three hours 13 minutes.

Despite that effort, Peru succumbed 2-1 and must now play Bahamas, with both sides looking to avoid relelgation, while Canada face Argentina, in a clash that could decide the outcome of the Pool.

Click the link below for more information about Americas Zone Group I, including individual results from each tie.